Boutique Design - December 2018 - 28

2 0 18 G O L D K E Y AWA R D S

BEST LOBBY MIDSCALE
WINNER

GRADUATE
MINNEAPOLIS
DESIGN FIRM: Graduate Hotels In-House Design Team, Chicago
THE COMMISSION: Find thoughtful ways to infuse the locale, the neigh-

boring university and the area's rich history into a design that's unique to the
hotel while tying in a few branded details. Skip the themed hotel approach.
THE CHARRETTE: Taking cues from Minneapolis' Norwegian influences and
active lifestyle, the lobby echoes the look of a cozy lake house. The brand's
in-house team drew inspiration from the area's adventurous attitude, fêted
athletic programs and creative community. Brand touches such as the oversized
Graduate Seal on the lobby's hardwood floor reference this flag's scholarly spirit.
THE CHALLENGE: Encouraging guests to stick around required careful plan-

ning. Break away spaces throughout-including a circular fire pit-activate
the space and provide visual (and literal) warmth. A long wooden table adds a
natural touch and accommodates marathon study sessions while communal
tables boost connectivity. The lobby's layout makes room for moveable food
carts that offer local flavor and flexibility. But it's not all work and no play: three
air hockey tables amp up the fun factor. Mounted nearby on the lobby's horizontal paneled wooden walls, old-school chalkboards serve as the scoreboard.
THE COOL STUFF: A preppy plaid pattern adorning the front desk sets the
collegiate tone. A statement-making textural log wall acts as the backdrop,
giving the arrival experience a rustic edge, while a gallery of landscape paintings pays homage to the region's breathtaking terrain. Two statement chandeliers-one made of fly fishing hooks and the other crafted with vintage
snow shoes-power up the drama factor and celebrate the city's love of
outdoor sports. Oversized neon letters spell out the brand's slogan, "We Are All
Students." Set against a black painted wall, the text adds a high-contrast punch
and injects energy into the moody space.

SOURCES
OWNER: AJ Capital Partners, Chicago; OPERATOR: Graduate Hotels, Chicago; DESIGN FIRM: Graduate
Hotels In-House Design Team, Chicago: Andrew Alford, chief creative officer; Anya Robson, senior
designer; Krissy Melendez and Pamela Bruno, designers; ARCHITECT: Graduate Hotels, Chicago;
PURCHASING COMPANY: Slate Procurement, Chicago; GENERAL CONTRACTOR: Blinderman
Construction Co., Chicago; AUDIO/VISUAL & ELECTRONICS: Advanced Light & Sound; FABRICS:
Architex; DL Couch; Fabricut Contract; Holland and Sherry; KnollTextiles; Lee Jofa; Opuzen; Robert
Allen Contract; Romo; Samuel & Sons; Schumacher; Sequana; Tiger Leather; Valley Forge Fabrics;
FLOORCOVERINGS: Alarwool; Architectural Systems Inc.; FURNITURE: Hammer Design; Royal Custom
Designs; Shawn Austin; LIGHTING: Coronet; Rejuvenation Lighting; RH Contract; West Elm; SIGNAGE:
Albrecht Signs; SURFACING MATERIALS: Hammer Design; Spartan Surfaces; WALLCOVERINGS:
Kravet; Schumacher; WINDOW TREATMENTS: Miceli

boutiquedesign.com DECEMBER 2018

CHRIS TIAN HOR AN PHOTOGR APH Y

THE CARRY-OUT: The devil is in the details. Surrounding the Graduate
Seal with a Herb Brooks quote reflects the brand's point of view by paying
tribute to the hockey legend and University of Minnesota alum. The words
read, "You can't be common. The common man goes nowhere. You have to
be uncommon," advice that conveys a sense of individuality while providing
a clever discovery point for visitors upon arrival. Locally sourced vintage and
vintage-inspired furnishings arranged in clusters invite students, guests and
locals to meet up, hang out and study. Now that's an A+.

http://www.boutiquedesign.com

Boutique Design - December 2018

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Boutique Design - December 2018